S Poddar
Nicole Kidman speaks volumes of thanks for all the love and consideration she and her family have gotten in the wake of her ‘darling’ mother Janelle Ann Kidman’s death. The acclaimed actress has been grieving with family members away from the limelight, one of the busiest seasons of her career so far.
The 57-year-old Kidman was in the midst of promoting her latest film Babygirl, but opted out of screenings at the Venice Film Festival and the North American premiere in Toronto to attend to her family. During the event, on Saturday, September 7, director Halina Reijn took the stage to make the sad announcement. She explained that Kidman did fly in for the event, but left early after learning about her mother’s death.
In an emotional post on her Instagram Thursday, September 12, Kidman took the time to thank those sending condolences in such a somber time. “My sister and I, along with our family, want to thank you for the outpouring of love and kindness we have felt this week,” the actress wrote. She then continued, “Each and every message that has come in from those who loved and admired our Mother has meant so much more than we’ll ever be able to express. Thank you from our entire family for respecting our privacy as we take care of each other ❤️.”
Along with her message, Kidman shared three touching images of her mother. The first was a solo portrait of a younger Janelle Ann Kidman, while the other two images were family moments and included shots of Kidman and her sister Antonia Kidman. These pictures were a touching tribute to her mother, who certainly had a great effect on her life and career.
Many of Kidman’s closest friends and colleagues bombarded her post’s comments section with so much love. There were Lily Rabe and Rose Byrne, who created hearts emoji-as in a silent but powerful way of sending their condolences. Lenny Kravitz wrote, “My deepest condolences to you and the family. I am blessed to have been in her presence. Rest in power.” Another actress, Michelle Pfeiffer shared, “I am so sorry for your loss, Nicole. Sending blessings to you and your family ❤️.” Long-time friend Naomi Watts was able to send the following message: “Sending so much love to you both. So sorry for your loss. Your wonderfully spirited mum will be missed by so many. Hopefully she is now peacefully reunited with your papa xxx love you.”
Kidman’s absence from the Toronto premiere of Babygirl was all the more conspicuous because reports were that she had been looking forward to attending. In Venice, the director accepted an award on her behalf, reading a statement from Kidman during what would have been her acceptance speech for Best Actress. Through Reijn, Kidman expressed her deep pain: “I had just landed in Venice when I heard that my beautiful, courageous mother, Janelle Ann Kidman, had passed away. I am in shock, and I need to go to my family, but this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me, and she made me. And I’m so, so glad that I can say her name to all of you through Halina.” Kidman also spoke of a profoundly difficult intersection of life and art: “Life and art colliding to make something very sad for me, and my heart is broken.”
A representative for Kidman has issued a statement to PEOPLE, confirming Janelle’s death and writing that the family is “shocked and heartbroken” and asks for privacy at this time.
Kidman had candidly spoken of the impact her mother had on her life in an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald in 2020. Looking back on her own career, Kidman recalled, “She’s given me the fire to pursue the career I have because I’ve always wanted to please her. But she also carved her own path and wanted her daughters to have the same opportunity to carve their own paths.” Kidman says her mother’s determination for her daughters’ success has left a lasting legacy. “Mum didn’t necessarily get the career that she wanted, but she was determined that her daughters would have opportunities that were equal. That’s given me my life. And she gave me my life, she and my dad.”
The deep bond of love that always existed between Kidman and her mother was palpable, and Janelle’s passing must indeed be a huge loss for Kidman and her family. However, words of comfort from friends, fans, and loved ones have eased the pain somewhat as they go through this excruciating period.
The heartfelt tribute of Kidman to her mother and the overwhelming public response remind one of the impact Janelle Ann Kidman had on the people surrounding her and the lasting legacy she will leave in her daughters.
